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Pekanbaru, Indonesia
Capital City

Follows Indonesia Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$850
Retiree Score
94.0
Safety Index
62.0
Healthcare
64 facilities

This bustling city of 983,356 people has a heavy reliance on the oil industry, which brings both prosperity and headaches. While Pekanbaru boasts the title of one of Indonesia's cleanest big cities, the rapid urbanization and traffic congestion make getting around a persistent challenge. With a tropical climate offering little variation in temperature year-round, newcomers will need to brace for the ever-present humidity. Ultimately, Pekanbaru is best suited for those drawn to its economic opportunities, rather than those seeking a laidback, scenic locale.

Can I afford Pekanbaru?

$

Pekanbaru

You could save

2,150/mo

Savings Rate72%

Monthly Costs

Rent $400
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$450

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
72/100
Retiree Score
(i)
94/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Indonesia Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
62
Safety
64
Healthcare
100
Walkability
35
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $2
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$3

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$1
Meal (Mid-range) $63
Cappuccino $1
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $67
Mobile Plan (mo) $6
Gym (mo) *$22
Cinema Ticket $3

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $400
1BR Outside (mo) *$178
3BR Center (mo) $850
3BR Outside (mo) *$480

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Senapelan
Best For
oil sector workers

Expat Life Notes

The oil capital of Sumatra, Pekanbaru has a small community of energy sector professionals in gated compounds.

Pros

  • ✓ Strong energy sector jobs
  • ✓ High quality of life in compounds

Cons

  • ✗ Seasonal haze from forest fires
  • ✗ Lacks cultural tourism
  • ✗ English is not widely used

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
23°C°C - 32°C°C
Annual Rainfall
3036 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Pekanbaru

Click any question to expand the answer.

Pekanbaru has a population of approximately 983,356 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,000 per month in Pekanbaru, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $400/month.

The nearest airport to Pekanbaru is KUL, approximately 250km away.

Pekanbaru is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 62.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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